On this great American day of thanks, I would like to take a sincere moment to count a few of my reading-related blessings. I hope you will join me.

I am thankful for my parents, who taught me to read, provided me with books, took me to the library, framed copies of my poems to put on the wall, and who still read my stories and can be found nearly every evening reading their own books.

I am thankful for my husband, who loves to talk to me about what we’re each reading, has filled our home with books, doesn’t mind when I keep the light on late at night reading, co-started this website with me, and regularly encourages my dream to one day be an author myself.

I am thankful for my friends, including those who like to walk around libraries with me and give book recommendations.

I am thankful for the fantastic English teachers and professors I have had throughout the years.

I am thankful for the countless authors who have spoken to me through their works, and who continue to write meaningful pieces of literature.

I am thankful to live in a country where literacy, education, and public libraries are important and accessible.

I am thankful for e-readers. I am thankful for paperbacks. I am not particularly thankful for hardcovers except as a stepping stone toward e-readers and paperbacks.

I am thankful for the Internet, which allows us to continue to share dialogue in the written word across the world. Like this! Awesome!